The course begins with a 60-hour online series of modules that students can move through at their own pace.

Each module includes PowerPoint presentations with in depth discussion by an instructor, ‘flashcard reviews’ and graded quizzes so you can evaluate your progress throughout the course. All of AINDT’s practice quizzes are pulled from our vast exam bank consisting of several hundred questions. Our online portion of the CWI Exam Prep Course provides in-depth training on the following critical topics:

Part A Fundamentals Online

The online Portion of the CWI Exam Prep Course will cover the fundamentals of Welding Technology as established by the American Welding Society. This coincides with Part A of the CWI Exam.

Topics covered in this portion of the course are as follows:

CWI Exam Breakdown

Roles and Responsibilities

Welding & Cutting Processes (over 10 processes covered)

Weld Joint Geometry

Welding Symbology

Steel Making

Welding Metallurgy

Distortion Control

Material Property Modification

Destructive Testing

Overview of Various Industry Welding Codes

Welder Qualifications

Welding Procedure Specifications

Visual Inspections methods and equipment

Welding Defects and Discontinuities

Introduction to Nondestructive Examination

Magnetic Particle Testing

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Ultrasonic Testing

Radiographic Testing

Electromagnetic Testing

Acoustic Emission Testing

Magnetic Flux Leakage

Thermal/Infrared Testing

Neutron Radiography

Vibration Analysis

Part B Hands-on

The AWS CWI NEW Part B portion of the exam has elevated the difficulty of flaw evaluation and specification interpretation. Because of this, AINDT offers an onsite 40-hour prep course specifically devoted to the Part B hands-on evaluation of practical weld specimens, WPS/PQR evaluation and interpretation to Part B specific documents used in the CWI Exam.

Included with the online training will be a walkthrough of the Book of Specifications to ensure that students have a full understanding of the purpose and usage of this “mock” specification and how it is utilized for the hands-on Part B. Additionally, AINDT has developed our own version of the Book of Exhibits and Weld Replicas which aligns with the CWI Exam. We will address how the Part B exam is structured and provide ample time examining the weld replicas using the same tools that will be provided by AWS during the exam. Our primary focus will be on measuring and evaluating the weld replicas, however we will also continuously review both Fundamentals and Code requirements to ensure all parts of the CWI body of knowledge is fresh in your head on exam day.

Following the onsite training, you will be provided the opportunity to take the AWS CWI exam at our facility the Saturday immediately following our CWI Exam Prep Course.

Part C Code Book Online

Navigating and understanding technical welding standards can be a daunting task, that is why we include an in-depth review of each clause with insight from an experienced instructor who has worked to these standards which will better help you understand the meaning and reason behind various requirements.

The code book online training will include a walk through of the welding code of your choice. Included in this training will be a review of how best to become proficient at code navigation, with tips on tabbing, highlighting and notes to include in your code. Currently our Part C training consists of either AWS D1.1-2015 or API 1104-21st edition.

Practice Exams

Upon completion of each part of the online training, students will be provided a timed exam replicating the Parts A and C of the CWI exam. This exam will be graded the same way as the CWI exam and may be taken as many times as the student wants. All of our exam questions are pulled from an exam bank ensuring that you will receive a combination of different exam questions each time.

The AWS does not post AWS CWI exam pass rate online. Yet, estimates say that only 30-40% of people who write the CWI exam pass the test on the first attempt. And because the exam costs $1065 in 2018, you want to pass this exam to avoid paying this hefty fee again.

Read on to learn how to pass the CWI exam the first time, and how to prepare if you need to retake it.

What Areas You Need To Know

A CWI exam is challenging. That's because a CWI has to be able to accurately complete welding inspections to specific codes.

A CWI has to have a good understanding of testing methods and drawings and specs. He or she must understand the welding process and be fluent in welding terms.

The CWI exam is comprehensive and covers all these key points. Make sure you review how to become a CWI with these 5 steps.

Create a Test-Taking Strategy

One of the most important things you need to do in order to pass the CWI exam is to have a test strategy.

You should know how much time you can spend on each question before moving on. The passing grade on this exam is 72%. That means that if you are stumped on a question, move on.

Each question is only worth 2.2% of the total exam. It is in your best interest to ensure you have time to complete the entire test than to spend priceless minutes on a tricky question.

Check Your Work

Part 3 of the test is open book. You will be able to use the code book to look up answers.

Don't make the mistake of being overconfident and skip looking up the answer in the codebook. The examiners allow the book for a reason. Codes can be difficult and there is a lot of information.

Know What You Don't Know

Before preparing for your second attempt, carefully review where you went wrong the first time. You will be able to see your score for each of the 3 parts of the exam on your CWI test results.

If you scored an average of over 72% in total but got less than 72% on only 1 part, you may retake only that part.

Besides looking at just your score, also look at the topics you struggled with. then you can focus on brushing up your knowledge on those key areas.

Final Thoughts on AWS CWI Exam Pass Rate

Thank for reading! We hope you found this guide on the CWI exam helpful. Remember, just because the AWS CSI exam pass rate is low for first-time test takers, there is no reason you can't ace the test if you prepare and plan your strategy.

If you're looking to take your welding career to the next level, you'll first need to pass the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam. This standardized test from the American Welding Society ensures that you're able to work safely and swiftly.

But since the exam has the potential to elevate your career, you may feel a bit nervous about passing.

Here's a complete guide to help you prepare for CWI test questions, as well as a few study tips.

What To Expect From CWI Test Questions

The CWI exam is a massive exam that's going to eat up a good portion of your day. The test itself is comprised of three core sections, each focusing on a different component of welding.

Here's a breakdown of each section of the test.

Part A

The initial part of your exam covers 150 questions in just two hours. That doesn't leave a whole lot of room to think.

However, there is some good news. This portion is likely the easiest you'll encounter, as it focuses on the basics of welding. Expect questions about basic concepts, equipment definitions, and safety procedures.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't study, only that your work experience and reading should help you find the best answer.

Part B

The second section of the CWI exam is a practical section. Again, you'll have two hours to complete this portion of the exam but you'll need every second.

You'll be asked to measure samples and ensure whether they adhere to AWS compliance and look for errors in basic welding work.

While many industries, manufacturers, and skilled laborers have seen a drop off in their workforce in recent years, welding isn't slowing down. If anything, there's never been a more competitive time for commercial welders to be looking for a role. When you take the CWI exam, you put yourself above other welders by showing you know what you're talking about.

Here are four things to know before you take your exam.

1. You Need Practice

During Part A of the CWI test, you're going to have to do some practical work to show that you know what you're doing. As a commercial welder, you'll have to know how to make clean, clear welds and be able to manage your time.

If you're out of practice or you've been doing one kind of job for a long time, you should do some practice. Take a practice test because you're going to have to show off your practical skills.

2. Know Your Codes

The last part of the test will be a written exam that tests you on your knowledge of safety codes and the details of what it means to weld safely. If it's been a while since you've looked at them, take some time to freshen up on your knowledge.

While you might not think these elements are important if you're not an inspector, you need to anticipate inspection on every project. When you know what they look for, you can ensure you've done a good job that will safely and easily pass an inspection.

3. You Need To Work Under Pressure

Working under pressure isn't for everyone but if you want a good score on your CWI exam, you're going to have to work efficiently. You'll be timed for each section of your test and so you should spend an adequate amount of tie studying.

If you haven't taken a test in a long time, you might have to put together a test-taking strategy. Learning what's required of you will help you anticipate what problems you might have and allow you to perform on the day of the test.

4. Learn What an Inspector Does

Part B of the test will put you in the shoes of an inspector and quiz you on some of what inspectors look for. You should know what a good weld looks like and how to inspect welds on your own. This will ensure instructors that, as a welder, you'll be performing welds that you think an inspector would approve.

When you're working as a commercial welder, you could create load-bearing welds that inspectors might pass over or never see. Rather than try to get away with a bad weld that puts people in danger, this part of the test will ensure you know what a strong, clean weld should look like.

Your CWI Exam doesn't have to be hard.

While you might be intimidated by taking your CWI exam, it won't be hard if you're well prepared. The trick to doing well on this test is studying, practicing, and practicing again.

The responsibility of a certified welding inspector is extensive. The CWI manages the operation's oversight. It's hard work but the outlook for a CWI career path is growing and pays well for those willing to shine.

The average CWI salary is $72K/year with increasing demand. The field thrives no matter the economic ups and downs. CWI jobs offer competitive benefits, too, further bonding its opportunity.

Would you like to learn how to become a CWI, tapping this in-demand field? Read on and follow this career path.

Arcing Your Career: How to Become a CWI

A CWI career has a low barriers-to-entry via certification. This is a lucrative opportunity for those wanting to scale their welding prowess. Or, desiring a shift and arc into a new career path. Let's go through the steps on how to become a certified welding inspector.

1. Understand Where You Stand

You'll need to meet an education and experience threshold before you can take the CWI test. The CWI exam requires a 72% passing score (or higher).

You're also welcome to attend weeklong seminars. These events are helpful with prep, covering all sections you'll face on the exam.

4. Practice with Dummy Exams

You'll find AWS practice exams through:

Amazon

Udemy

Scribd

Work your way through these practice exams as if they're the real thing.

Include practicing:

The 150-question fundamental questions

Practical experience including tool identification and use

Memorizing and identifying the D1.1 code

5. Take the Real CWI Test

It's time!

Apply for the exam by filing the CWI Initial Application

Use the CWI schedule to choose your destination, and submit forms

Confirm details with AWS

Attend and take the exam

It takes a lot of work gaining the right experience and training. You'll study hard and commit a decent amount of money. But, it'll be worth it once you pass!

Create a Bond with Your Next Opportunity

Trade jobs prove viability no matter what's shaking the economy. A welding career creates stability and incredible income opportunities. Learning how to become a CWI launches this trajectory toward rewarding work.

If you want to become a CWI, you need some welding experience. And, you need to pass the CWI exam. The amount of experience you need varies on your education level, but the CWI exam is always the same.

The CWI text is always three parts. You get two hours for each section. They focus on fundamentals, practical application, and code application.

The best thing you can do is be fully prepared. We've put together a list of 5 things you can do to prepare for your test.

1. Create a Study Plan

Everyone learns a little differently. While the test is the same for everyone, your study plan needs to tailored specifically to you.

If flash cards work for you, then start there. If they don't, then you should try reading the content over and taking notes.

There's no one full-proof study plan, the key is to know what works for you and build your plan around it. Most plans should contain more than one study method.

2. Just Reading the Content isn't Enough

Just reading your books or study guides isn't enough to learn the content. You need to actually study it.

Focus and make sure that you are absorbing as much of the information as possible. Don't just skim the material, try to really understand it. As you study try not to just memorize the information, you want to ask yourself why these procedures need to been done in certain ways.

It's a long test, so the better grasp you have on the material, the more likely you will be able to recall it under the stress of the CWI exam.

What makes it even better is that both the courses and the practice tests are designed so you can go at your own pace. That gives you the opportunity to really absorb the material.

4. Know What the Sections are About

It can be really helpful to your self-study to know the breakdown and the number of questions in each of the sections.

Part A is all about your fundamental knowledge; this section is 150 questions. Part B is all about inspection both welding and nondestructive testing; it is 46 questions. Part C is the only open book section and it's about the codebook; this is 46 questions as well.

5. Teach a Friend

A lot of times, the best way to know if you actually understand something is to teach someone. As you're explaining it to someone who has no knowledge about welding, you can really tell what you do and don't know.

Did you know?

The CWI exam requires 72% for a passing score on each of its three sections:

Part A: Fundamentals,

Part B: Practical, and

Part C: Code Book.

Students who score at least 60%, but below 72% on these three sections will receive a CAWI certification. A Certified Associate Welding Inspector, or CAWI, requires a minimum of two years welding related experience. CAWIs also are not allowed to sign off on paperwork.

Upon successfully qualifying and testing to the requirements put forth by the American Welding Society (AWS), the student will receive a National Certification, which will be active for three years.

Included in the course fee each student will receive a comprehensive visual inspection tool kit.

We believe we offer the most comprehensive CWI Exam Prep Course available. Our course will give you the skills and knowledge you will need to take the AWS CWI exam with confidence!